Jonathan Stein Counseling

09/05/2025

What you give out is what you end up living in.

Choose peace, and you live in peace. Choose judgment, and you carry it with you.

A new blog post on why kindness always circles back — and how our smallest choices ripple far beyond us.

Discover why kindness always returns to you and how personal healing becomes practice for collective transformation. A vulnerable, honest look at judgment, love, and the ripple effects of our daily choices.

08/20/2025

𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲
Looking at the world with clear eyes doesn’t mean pretending that hurtful thoughts or harmful actions don’t exist. They do. But clear seeing also means recognizing the kindness, love, and beauty that are here as well.

The challenge is this: both fear and love show up in our daily lives—but only one can point us toward what’s most true and lasting. Cruelty may grab our attention, but compassion reveals what’s real.

Every day, you’re invited to take a stand. Will you side with what tears life down, or with what builds it up? Will you let fear define your reality, or will you choose love as the truer reflection of what life is meant to be?

06/11/2025

𝐀 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐌𝐲 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭: 𝐎𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬

Dear Friends,

I’ve been sitting quietly with something for a while now—listening deeply to both the stillness within and the turbulence around us. Like many of you, I’ve been feeling the weight and intensity of what’s happening in our country. The political climate in the United States is charged, unsettling, and—for many—deeply personal.

As a holistic practitioner and coach, I hold a sacred responsibility to offer support that is unbiased, compassionate, and deeply respectful of all people, regardless of where you find yourself on the political spectrum. I want to say this clearly and with my whole heart: you are welcome here. Whether your views lean left, right, center, or none of the above—this space remains safe, steady, and supportive for your healing, growth, and self-discovery.

My work isn’t about changing anyone’s political views. It’s about helping people come home to themselves—to the peace that lives beneath the noise, to the inner clarity that can rise when the mind is less burdened, and to the wholeness that exists beyond any identity or ideology.

At the same time, I feel called—as a human being and as someone committed to a life of integrity—to acknowledge and respond to the injustices and harm I witness. Remaining silent in times of upheaval can feel like a form of complicity. So you may see me speaking out about certain issues in other spaces—publicly, politically, and personally. I do this not to alienate, but because I believe healing also asks us to stay awake and to be honest about what we see.

That said, my commitment to being a grounded, inclusive, and fair practitioner will not change. I will never turn away someone seeking healing because of a belief, identity, or viewpoint that differs from mine. We’re not here to agree on everything. We’re here to remember that beneath our many stories and positions, we are still—and always—connected. As humans. As souls. As beings who are worthy of care.

I will continue to educate myself in the spiritual and psychological traditions that guide my work—perspectives that transcend dualistic thinking and see beyond the illusions of separation. My goal will always be to support you in seeing your own goodness more clearly, to meet your suffering with gentleness, and to offer tools and practices that help you feel more peace, more freedom, and more connection in your life.

In a world that’s often divisive, I choose to be a bridge.

You don’t have to think like me to walk beside me. You don’t have to agree with me to receive my care. Our differences can be honored without turning into distance.

Thank you for being part of my circle and my community. Thank you for your trust, your vulnerability, and your willingness to heal.

It’s not always easy—but it matters more than ever.

With care, respect, and an open heart,
Jonathan

03/01/2025

HEALING THE MIND, HEALING THE WORLD: A NEW PATH FORWARD

Over the past few decades, American culture has become increasingly focused on personal growth, often divorcing it from a larger purpose. The New Age movement and self-improvement trends have emphasized awakening, enlightenment, or simply feeling better—but too often, this inner work isn’t tied to making a meaningful impact in the world.

I have spent years exploring personal growth, healing, and transformation. But my study of relationships—with myself, others, and the world—is still a work in progress. I haven’t mastered what I teach or write about. In fact, I write because I haven’t mastered it. I see a deep need, both personal and collective, to understand these issues so that we can all live more peacefully. Relationships are the microcosm, and this is why this writing feels so important.

Personal growth isn’t just for personal gain; it’s meant to be a catalyst for doing good in the world. True transformation happens when we take what we’ve learned through our own healing and pay it forward—bringing our insight, compassion, and strength to those in need. And right now, the world is in desperate need. You don’t have to look far to see it: homelessness, political division, human trafficking, and any number of global conflicts all highlight the urgent call for change. The opportunities to make a difference are endless—whether by offering our gifts, speaking out, or influencing the world in our own personal spheres and beyond.

This shift—from self-focus to collective impact—is both necessary and overdue. As a longtime therapist and life coach, I’ve held this belief for years. But I haven’t always felt confident or knowledgeable enough to translate it into action. I didn’t fully understand the dynamics at play—how to create meaningful change, for myself or others. Over time, I’ve learned that while I may not follow politics closely or grasp every nuance of world events, that isn’t what truly matters.

What matters is this: introspection is only part of the equation. Yes, we must learn to care for, be gentle with, and love ourselves. But growth becomes truly valuable when we channel that same kindness and wisdom into the world—where it’s so desperately needed.

This isn’t just a “today” solution to a new problem. The world has always needed clarity, understanding, and pathways to peaceful change. And while I still have much to learn, one thing is clear: the challenges we face are intensifying. Marianne Williamson puts it perfectly:

"This situation [we are now confronted with] is one of many ways in which current events are turning us into sober, mature adults in ways we might not have been before."

Now more than ever, we must wake up from the collective trance of self-absorption—the “cult of me.” Personal growth was never meant to end with the self. It’s meant to empower us to take meaningful action, to use the sovereignty and strength we’ve cultivated to create real, positive change.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF ACTIVISM

Many people feel helpless right now. So much is changing in the world around us. What does it mean to step forward rather than retreat? Stepping forward doesn’t necessarily mean you have to become a political activist, though many insist that activism is what is needed right now. If you don't participate in activism that encourages "fighting the enemy," some may claim you're part of the problem. But I don't buy this anymore.

For years, I judged myself for falling short, believing I was part of the problem because political activism never felt right to me. Over time, I’ve clarified what does feel right: spiritual activism. My work as a therapist and coach, along with my spiritual path, has taught me that true and lasting change in the world is an endeavor of healing the mind. Without this, we continue to reenact the same patterns of violence and attack that have been repeated since the dawn of humanity.

There is a method to looking into our own minds and rooting out guilt so that we can stop projecting it onto others. This is the foundation of peace. Yet truly doing the inner work—being willing to let go of the need to be right and make others wrong—is one of the hardest things to do. We are deeply attached to being right, to holding onto our unconscious guilt. But until we address this, we will continue to go to war, commit violence, and perpetuate division.

BREAKING FREE FROM FEAR AND DIVISION

You don’t need to follow or understand everything that’s happening in the news to be an effective change-maker. In fact, diving too deep into the fear and drama perpetuated by the media can be more confusing and disheartening than helpful. At this juncture in history, it is crucial to maintain a positive state of mind.

We each have unique gifts and abilities. If we listen to our intuition, we can feel into how best to use them. The message of our time is to step up, bring our authentic selves and creative abilities to the table, and hold the intention of using our healing journey to contribute to a more loving, safe, and joyful world.
When I began therapy as a client in the late 1980s, there was still considerable stigma around it. Since then, we have grown as a culture, normalizing therapy and inner work. Yet, another trend has emerged: an emphasis on self-improvement without a vision for a larger purpose. While mental health and emotional well-being are essential, the hyper-focus on self has also bred entitlement, greed, and self-centeredness.

The mental health system, new age healing, and self-help movements have largely missed the point. Despite all of our focus on healing, the world remains filled with disharmony, hatred, greed, violence, and suffering. Clearly, something is still missing.

THE POWER OF THE MIND

The main challenge we face is not about “good guys” and “bad guys,” but the duality that keeps us locked in an us-versus-them paradigm. This split keeps us in cycles of lack, vulnerability, blame, and fear. If we ever want to find our way through this dangerous morass, we must recognize that we are the change we’ve been waiting for. The world is not happening to us—it is happening from us, from our very own minds.

Until we take responsibility for the destructive thought system that governs our world, we will remain lost in suffering. But I am hopeful. The darkness that has been projected onto the world stage is now so obvious that it may signal we are closer to real progress.

THE PARABLE OF TWO WOLVES

It is said that inside each of us, two wolves are at war. One is fueled by fear, anger, and hatred. The other is fueled by love, compassion, and peace. The wolf that wins is the one we choose to feed.

So I ask: which wolf are you feeding?

This question is perhaps the most important of our time. And not only is there an answer, but there is also a way to sustain and nourish the good wolf. We each have the power to tip the scales toward a more peaceful, just, and loving world—starting with the choices we make today.

True healing and transformation go beyond shifting one’s perception—they call for meaningful, love-driven engagement with the world. Inner awareness is essential, but it is only the foundation. By responding to life’s challenges with clarity, love, and intentionality, rather than fear or reactivity, we cultivate inner peace while contributing positively to the world.

I believe we each have a role to play in this pivotal moment in history. Our presence, actions, and choices create real and lasting change. For me, the goal of my spiritual path and personal growth is not just to feel better or awaken to Reality, but to bring the wisdom I gain back into the world. This is a time to trust that we all have gifts and skills meant to end suffering and conflict. We must move beyond the old paradigm of fighting and opposition and instead embody a new way of being that fosters peace, compassion, and connection.

We have a choice. We can continue down the road of division and destruction, or we can choose a new path—one of healing, accountability, and love. It is time to make that choice, together.

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If my writing resonates with you and you’re seeking support, I’d be honored to share this journey with you.

As a holistic mental health practitioner and life coach, I offer virtual sessions worldwide. Whether you're breaking free from anxiety, navigating a life transition, healing a relationship, or stepping into a deeper sense of purpose, I invite you to step into a space of deep transformation—one where you’ll not only create lasting change but also discover a truer, more empowered version of yourself.

If you’re ready to explore what it means to show up fully in your life, let’s connect. You can book a FREE 20-minute Discovery Call at www.jonathanstein.org/get-started/.

02/20/2025

THE POWER TO CHOOSE: RECLAIMING YOUR MIND AND YOUR PEACE

A lot is going on in the world. A lot is going on in our own minds. At times, it can feel like an overwhelming tidal wave of emotions, reactions, and information—so much to process, so much to manage. And in the midst of it all, we might find ourselves believing that we have no control over how we feel or think, that our emotions and thoughts are running the show while we scramble to keep up. But here’s a time-honored bezel of wisdom we could embrace if we so choose: We are not at the mercy of our minds.

Unless, of course, we believe we are.

This is the crux of everything. Our unique ability as human beings is to choose how we interpret reality. Without this choice, we become lost—adrift in a sea of reactive emotions, convinced that we are powerless. But we are not. Given the state of the world right now, I believe it is more important than ever to deeply consider whether we want to embrace this truth or continue surrendering our peace to forces outside of us.

PEACE IS NOT TAKEN--IT'S SURRENDERED

Regardless of what’s happening on the world stage or in the intimate space of our own minds, we often feel as though peace is slipping through our fingers. But the reality is, that peace is never taken from us. We give it away.

Nothing—not global conflicts, not personal struggles, not even the thoughts in our own minds—has the power to rob us of peace unless we grant it permission. This is a radical but liberating realization. It means that no matter how chaotic things appear, we still hold the power to choose how we respond.

THE MIRROR OF THE MIND

Our individual psychology is not separate from the world we see. In fact, it mirrors it. Just as fear-driven events seem to be intensifying externally, fear-based thinking can just as easily take root in our minds—if we allow it.

I feel this deeply. Lately, I’ve noticed the increasing pressure of fear knocking at the door of my mind, trying to find a home in my heart. But I refuse to let it in. Not because I’m in denial, but because I know what happens when I allow fear to take the lead. I become reactive instead of responsive. I lose clarity. I operate from a place of stress rather than wisdom. And that is not how I want to navigate my life.

FEAR-BASED THINKING VS. CONSCIOUS CHOICE

When we identify with fear-based thoughts, our responses to the world inevitably reflect that fear. We react rather than respond. We see threats rather than opportunities. We close off rather than open up. And in doing so, we contribute to the very cycle of fear and reactivity that we wish would stop.

But the moment we recognize that we have a choice, everything shifts. We can pause. We can observe. We can question whether the thoughts racing through our minds are actually true—or just habitual reactions. We can reclaim our ability to interpret reality in a way that serves us rather than drains us.

This isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a practical, life-changing shift in perspective. It’s what allows us to remain steady in uncertain times. It’s what keeps us grounded when fear tries to take the wheel.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

So here’s my invitation to you: Begin noticing where you are surrendering your peace. Ask yourself, "Am I reacting out of fear, or am I responding from clarity? Am I choosing how I see this situation, or am I letting my mind choose for me?"

The choice to reclaim your peace is always available. The world may feel chaotic, but your mind doesn’t have to be. And when you step into that truth, you don’t just free yourself—you contribute to a world that is less driven by fear and more grounded in wisdom.

I'm curious to know which you'll choose.

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02/18/2025

Part Two: EXPANDING OUR VISION BEYOND FEAR

In a recent post, I shared my perspective on the two timelines we all navigate daily: one rooted in fear, the other in love and optimism. This blog continues an exploration of how to choose a life of love and possibility—even when the world seems divided and mired in darkness. Since my last post, one reader raised an important point: might the ideas I spoke of really only speak to privileged individuals who are fortunate to live in safe neighborhoods, while others—facing war, exploitation, or profound injustice— would likely find it hard to imagine hope?

I want to honor that perspective. My work has taken me to some of the most challenging places imaginable—providing therapy to imprisoned patients in a maximum-security hospital, working with children in a homeless shelter, and others. In each of these settings, I’ve witnessed the incredible truth that regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or life circumstances, the power to choose how we see our reality remains with us. Over and over again, I have witnessed people who felt deeply challenged by daunting circumstances who chose “yes!” to the possibility of changing their perspective, so much so that it changed the course of their lives for the better.

This isn’t about ignoring the harsh realities of our world or passively watching as it unravels. Not at all! Rather, it’s about recognizing that the crises unfolding around us are only deepened and prolonged when we choose to live in a mindset of fear.

I’m not a historian, but as a therapist, I’ve seen that fear lies at the root of nearly every personal struggle and conflict. Given this, I can say with considerable confidence that fear has also fueled many of the world’s past conflicts.

And yet, we continue to respond to global disruptions with fear and blame, expecting them to bring resolution. But they never have. If they did, we wouldn’t be stuck in the same cycles, repeating what has already failed. If we truly want change, we must be willing to embrace a better way.

SEEING BEYOND THE SURFACE

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the relentless stream of negativity in the news—the conflict in Gaza, the scars of war-torn countries, the tragedies of human trafficking. But what if we looked beyond these surface wounds? What if, instead of turning away from the pain, we met it with deeper empathy and understanding?

Practically speaking, this means learning to see the humanity in those we might judge as bad or as working against our best interests. Fear naturally fuels reactive emotions like anger—it’s an instinctive response. But is there another way? A way that looks beyond the immediate harm and into the deeper layers of those whose actions may be hurting us and others?

I believe there is. But it requires a willingness to move past our judgments and see the pain beneath the greed, the wounds beneath the attack. This isn’t about ignoring harm or avoiding action. It’s about responding with a clear mind, unclouded by the anger we so often feel justified in expressing—after all, they hurt us first, right?

But that’s the same old cycle, the same tired storyline that never leads to real resolution. It only repeats itself, again and again. If we truly want a different outcome, we must be willing to respond in a different way—one rooted not in fear, but in understanding.
For millennia, humanity has sought peace using the same methods, yet if they had worked, we’d live in a world where every person, regardless of background, felt safe and cared for.
History offers powerful examples of those who chose a different way in the face of immense suffering. Viktor Frankl endured the horrors of the Holocaust and still found meaning and hope. Mahatma Gandhi resisted oppression with quiet strength. Nelson Mandela emerged from decades of imprisonment with a heart open to forgiveness. Their lives remind us that the way we choose to see the world—through fear or love—shapes our reality. And in that choice lies our true power.

PRACTICES TO CULTIVATE A LOVE-FOCUSED MINDSET

Previously, I shared a few simple ways to bring light into your day through acts of kindness, hopeful conversations, and moments of gratitude. Today, to help you strengthen your role as a change agent—with clarity, an open heart, and love instead of fear—I’d like to offer additional practices to cultivate a grounded, balanced mind, even in the midst of upheaval.

• Meditation: Take a few moments daily to sit quietly. Allow your mind to settle into a space of calm, using your breath to connect with the part of you that knows itself as peace and love.

• Harmonizing Breathing Practices: Practice gentle, mindful breathing exercises. Let each breath remind you that you can choose calm over chaos.

• Candle Gazing Meditation: Light a candle and focus on its flame. Let the soft light guide your thoughts, encouraging a shift from anxiety to a sense of centeredness.

• Nature Walks: If you can, take a walk in nature—preferably barefoot when the weather allows. Notice the beauty around you and let it ground you in the present moment.

• Stepping Out of Routine: Once a week, do something unexpected. It might be driving to a new place or hiking a different trail. Allow yourself to explore unfamiliar spaces with optimism and curiosity.

• The Coin-Flip Exercise: For a playful yet insightful practice, try a coin-flip exercise. Assign one side to anxiety and the other to excitement. Flip the coin, and notice how closely these two states can feel connected—both are responses, and you hold the power to shift your perspective with a simple change in focus.

A CALL TO COURAGE AND ACTION

I want to emphasize this: The problems of our world aren’t caused solely by the challenges we face, but by our continued agreement with a mindset of fear. When we choose to shift from fear to love, we begin to see and engage with the world in a new way. This isn’t about ignoring pain—it’s about looking deeply into the heart of conflict and recognizing that beneath every struggle lies an opportunity for healing.

Imagine if just a handful of people embraced these practices and chose love over fear. Studies on large-group meditations suggest that even small shifts in collective consciousness can positively influence the world. Now, imagine if many people—across all walks of life—committed to this shift. Who knows how dramatically our world might change?

If you feel hesitant or unsure, remember: Choosing love isn’t about turning a blind eye to hardship. It’s about facing it with kindness, empathy, and the courage to act differently. Let’s honor our shared human journey by standing together—speaking up, acting with love, and fostering the change we long to see.

The choice is ours. Which timeline will you invest in today—the one of fear or the one of love? I invite you to choose love—not because it’s easy, but because it holds the greater promise of transformation—for you, your community, and the world.

Thank you for being part of this conversation. Knowing I’m not having it alone means so much. Feel free to share your thoughts—lovingly, of course. 😊 As we navigate what may seem like treacherous times, let’s keep the dialogue open, the practices heartfelt, and our commitment to healing together.

With warmth and optimism,
Jonathan

Call now to connect with business.

02/09/2025

PART ONE -- NAVIGATING THE CHAOS: CHOOSING LOVE OVER FEAR IN A WORLD THAT FEELS LIKE IT’S FALLING APART

Lately, I’ve been having more and more conversations about the state of the world—the fear, the division, the feeling that things are spiraling out of control. It’s a lot. I see it in my clients, my friends, and even my own family.

Just the other night, I had a conversation with my dad about everything happening in the world. He was upset, scared, and genuinely struggling to see how anyone could hold onto hope in times like these. I get it—he grew up in Germany as a Jewish child during WWII. He’s seen firsthand what human beings are capable of, and it’s shaped how he sees the world.

But as a student of holistic psychology, psychotherapy, life coaching, and the world’s wisdom traditions, I try to hold a different perspective—one that doesn’t deny the pain but also doesn’t let fear have the final say. I like to think of it as two timelines running side by side:

• The Fear Timeline—where we focus on everything that’s wrong, get caught in despair and feel powerless.

• The Love Timeline—where we acknowledge what’s happening but choose to stay rooted in something greater: love, resilience, and the belief that something better is unfolding.

Both timelines exist. We get to choose which one we invest in.

-ACKNOWLEDGING THE PAIN WITHOUT STAYING STUCK IN IT-

The last thing people need right now is to be told to "just stay positive" or “focus on the good.” That can feel dismissive—especially for those who have lived through real suffering.
What we can do, though, is honor the pain while opening the door to another possibility. When my dad expressed his fear, I didn’t try to argue him out of it. Instead, I acknowledged it:

"I hear you. It makes complete sense that you feel this way. Given everything you’ve lived through, how could you not?"

That’s the first step. Before we can shift perspective, we have to feel seen.

-REFRAMING: IS THIS THE END...OR A TURNING POINT?-

History and traditional wisdom both show us that before every major awakening, there’s a period of deep shadow. The darkness we see isn’t necessarily a sign of collapse—it could be the labor pains of transformation.

What if, instead of the world falling apart, we’re witnessing a necessary breakdown of old systems so something new can emerge?

Yes, things look bad. But we can choose to look deeper. More people than ever are questioning, healing, and seeking new ways of being. That wouldn’t be happening if the shadows weren’t surfacing to be seen.

-THE VIKTOR FRANKL PERSPECTIVE: CHOOSING MEANING IN DARKNESS-

One of my favorite examples of this shift in perspective is Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor who not only endured unimaginable suffering but emerged with a radical insight:

"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances."

That doesn’t mean ignoring suffering. It means reclaiming our power to decide what we make of it.

For those feeling helpless right now, here’s the question:
What timeline do you want to feed? Fear or love? Chaos or healing? Despair or possibility?

-HOPE IN ACTION: WHAT CAN YOU DO TODAY?-

When we feel overwhelmed, it helps to shift from thinking about the world to doing something within our reach.

Ask yourself:

• What’s one way I can bring light into my day?
• How can I show kindness, even in small ways?
• What conversation can I have that shifts the energy toward hope?

Every choice matters. Every moment of love—no matter how small—adds to the timeline we’re building together.

FINAL THOUGHT: THE LIGHT NEVER GOES OUT

If you’re struggling to find hope, know this: the darkness isn’t stronger than the light. It just feels louder right now.
We’re at a crossroads. Fear is available—but so is love. Which one will you choose?

Call now to connect with business.

07/15/2024

It's helpful for me to remember that every challenge in my life, every situation or interaction that "ruffles my feathers", can be seen as either a curse of which I am a victim, or as an opportunity, a mirror, and therefore a blessing to guide me back to the remembrance of Who I am as Love. I choose the latter.

06/06/2024

Hello friends!

I'm writing with exciting news regarding my recent rebranding project for my private practice. MY NEW WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE (www.jonathanstein.org)!

I would love it if you would check it out and let me know your thoughts. Is there anything about it that you love? Any honest suggestions of things I could change or do differently to help make my messaging clearer to new visitors?

My new website has been a labor of love over the past months. I have aspired to create a web presence that speaks to the heart of my work as a Holistic Mental Health Practitioner while making it an enjoyable and engaging experience for people interested in my practice. I took some risks in terms of design, veering away from a more traditional look and feel. Additionally, I should mention that I will be starting a Holistic Life Coaching Program this fall with the intention of graduating the following spring. I look forward to adding this specialization to my selection of offerings.

If you know someone who could use some help working through a life challenge, please pass the word (and the link) along to them.

Finally, this announcement wouldn't be complete without a heartfelt shout-out to the dear friends who lent their copy editing expertise and sage advice throughout this journey, as well as the AMAZING team at Shantytown Design (https://shantytowndesign.com/). Their creativity and guidance made the experience from design to development to launch so seamless and hassle-free. I'm overflowing with gratitude for the support of you all! This website is truly a labor of love brought to life by many helping hands.

Warmly, Jonathan

P.S. As a friend or colleague, you know me. Would you be interested in leaving a review for me on Google Business (https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5sdL4co6MgBXsKw9)? It could be a professional review, or simply a character review. Every good word helps when it comes to improving Google ranking!

To leave a review, go here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5sdL4co6MgBXsKw9, then click on my pin on the Google map. From there, look for the "Leave a Review" link. Thank you!!